Multipurpose golf training aid

ABSTRACT

A multipurpose golf training aid that can be used to teach full swing alignment, putting alignment, full swing path and putting path development.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/820,692 filed May 8, 2013 by Tyler Carson, Matt Baird and Leonard Hofheins.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to golf training aids and more particularly a multipurpose golf alignment training aid for full swing, swing plane and proper putting plane development.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The game of golf has been frustrating golfers for hundreds of years. Golfers are always looking for a way to improve their game. There are numerous training aids available to help golfers attempt to improve their game. One of the common basic problems a golfer faces is having proper alignment. To this end, golfers have used their clubs to properly align their shots. Others have developed alignment sticks, which consist of nothing more than a few sticks a golfer can carry in their bag, retrieve for a shot and lay on the ground to ensure they are properly aligned with the hole. But, being properly aligned with the hole is only one part of becoming a better golfer. If a golfer still does not have the proper swing, it does not matter what happens with their alignment. A proper golf swing results in in increased enjoyment of the game. Golf requires, however, that a golfer develop the proper swing for many different conditions and situations. A person can have a tremendous swing with a driver and send a ball far down a fairway, but if that person doesn't have the proper chipping or putting stroke, the long drive will not do them any good unless they are participating in a long drive competition. The old adage, “drive for show, putt for dough” rings true. There are a number of golf aids designed to help only with a proper drive or only with a proper chip or a proper putt. To date, there has not been a multipurpose single piece golf training aid that can assist the golfer in all these aspects of the game of golf.

Golf alignment sticks are sold by nearly every major golf equipment manufacturer. None provide a single piece tool that can be used as an alignment stick for full swing, chipping and putting alignment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been accomplished to provide a multipurpose golf training aid.

According to the present invention, there is provided a multipurpose golf training aid, which is generally comprised of an alignment stick made with rigid material that is hinged or otherwise bendable on at least one end.

In one aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for a golfer to properly align themselves when making a full swing.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for a golfer to properly align themselves when making a putt.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper putting pathline.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper putting stroke.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper putting reading path.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper chipping alignment, backswing and follow through.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper chipping swing body alignment.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper ball striking alignment.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper plane alignment in a backswing.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper club path arc.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for fixing an over the top swing.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for fixing a swing that results in a slice.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper head and chest alignment.

In another aspect of the invention, it provides a tool for teaching proper swing plane.

To the accomplishment of the above and related aspects, the invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings, however, are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being part of the invention, limited only by the scope of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention being used as a putting rail.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to read breaks for a putt.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the present invention being used as a putting rail using stands so that it could be used on surfaces that do not permit the insertion of the invention into the ground.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to read breaks for a putt using a stand so that it could be used on surfaces that do not permit the insertion of the invention into the ground.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the present invention being used as a chipping aid.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the present invention being used as an aid to fix a slice.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the present invention being used as an alignment box to teach proper alignment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to teach proper head and chest alignment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to fix an over the top swing.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the present invention being used to teach proper swing plane.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, this is a multipurpose golf training aid. In the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the multipurpose golf training aid 10 can be used to help with proper putting. In this configuration, the multipurpose golf training aid 10 is set so that end pieces 13 are perpendicular to main piece 11 using hinges 12. That is, hinges 12 are set so that there is a 90 degree angle between main piece 11 and end pieces 13. End pieces 13 end in a sharp point that can be inserted into the ground when being used in this configuration. If a user desires to practice putts indoors, end pieces 13 can be inserted into stands 14, shown in FIG. 3. The golfer places the shaft of the putter against main piece 11 on the side opposite that of the golfer and tries to maintain contact with the main piece throughout the putt swing. In this way the golfer can develop a proper putting stroke. As shown in FIG. 3, multipurpose golf training aid 10 can be used in this same configuration if it is inserted in stands 14 for the same purpose indoors, or on surfaces where the sharp ends of end pieces 13 may not be compatible.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, multipurpose golf training aid 10 is used help the golfer learn how to read the break in putts. The golfer places the ball underneath the main piece 11 of multipurpose golf training aid 10. Using hinge 12, one end piece 13 is moved so that it is at a 90 degree angle with main piece 11. The opposite end piece 13 remains parallel with main piece 11 and is pointed toward the hole but away from the break in the green so that the golfer can make repeated attempts from the same place and determine how to properly read the green. As is shown in FIG. 4, multipurpose golf training aid 10 can also be used with stand 14 on surfaces that do not allow for end piece 13 to be inserted into the ground.

In FIG. 5, multipurpose golf training aid 10 is being used to teach a golfer the proper swing for chipping. In this configuration, the golfer places multipurpose golf aid 10 between the golfer and ball. The ball is placed toward the end of multipurpose golf training aid 10 that is closest to the hole. End pieces 13 are moved to a perpendicular relationship to main piece 11 using hinges 12. The sharp end of end pieces 13 are inserted into the ground. The golfer must swing in a manner where the club is brought straight back and straight through. If the swing is not straight back and straight through, the golfer will hit main piece 11 of multipurpose golf training aid 10. Main piece 11 prevents the swing from coming too far inside on a chip shot.

The golfer can leave golf training aid 10 in this same configuration and by placing the ball in a different location use multipurpose golf training aid 10 to fix the slice in the golfer's swing. To take advantage of this feature, the golfer places the ball between the golfer and multipurpose golf training aid 10. In order to avoid hitting multipurpose golf training aid 10 during a swing, the golfer cannot swing over the top and uses more of an inside out swing. In this manner, an over the top swing is corrected to an inside out plain.

In FIG. 7, multipurpose golf training aid 10 is used to create an alignment box. One end piece 13 is set to a 90 degree relationship with main piece 11 and aligns with the golfer's rear foot. The other end piece 13 is set to the desired angle the golfer wants for the front foot. The golfer then aligns his feet with the angles set by end pieces 13. Hinges 12 are adjustable at 15 degree increments to accommodate the desired front foot alignment. Multipurpose golf training aid 10 is set on the ground with end pieces 13 pointing away from the golfer. The ball is placed within the space created by main piece 11 and end pieces 13. In this manner, the golfer is trained to have their feet set properly in relation to the ball.

In FIG. 8, end piece 13 is set parallel to main piece 11. The opposite end piece 13 is set to an angle using hinge 12 that points toward the golfer's chest. The golfer keeps their head and chest in the same alignment throughout the swing. Repeating this exercise helps the golfer eliminate the common and age old problem of moving their head back and forth (and thus the rest of their body parts) during their swing. It also provides a point of reference for the golfer to stay steady over the ball.

In FIG. 9, end piece 13 is set at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to main piece 11 using hinge 12 and inserted into the ground. Opposite end piece 13 is set parallel to main piece 11. Multipurpose golf training aid 10 is set on the ball line. In this configuration, the golfer is prevented from making an over the top swing as the backswing and swing must all occur inside multipurpose golf training aid 10 or they will hit main piece 11. If in this configuration multipurpose golf training aid 10 is set on the golfer's toe-line, the golfer is prevented from swinging too far inside and keeps the swing on the proper plane.

In FIG. 10, multipurpose golf training aid 10 is used to help develop proper swing plane. End pieces 13 are set at angles using hinges 12 that approximate the proper swing plane and multipurpose training aid is set on the ground with the ball in between it and the golfer. The ball, however, is placed near multipurpose training aid 10, and the golfer follows the path set out by end pieces 13 and main piece 11.

Multipurpose golf training aid can also be used with end pieces 13 being set parallel to main piece 11 and set on the ground in front of a golfer to help align the golfer with the hole. Multipurpose golf training aid 10 appears to be one long continuous device as is shown in FIG. 11. In this configuration, a golfer aligns their body to make a better and more accurate golf shot.

Multipurpose golf training aid 10 is hinged on both ends of main piece 11 so that it can be easily adapted to be an aid for improved putting, chipping and for full swing golf shots. It is understood that it could also be hinged at only one end and that the hinge could be replaced by a spoke and hub mechanism for providing differing angles between main piece 11 and end pieces 13. It can also be used to teach proper swing plane and proper putting plane. It is an all in one training aid for alignment in the full golf swing, putting, arc/path and swing path development. It is a multipurpose golf training aid golf that can be bent on at least one end to provide for different alignment. In a preferred embodiment, it is hinged at both ends by a hinge that permits the user to adjust the angle of each end in 15 degree increments. It can also be used with stands to use indoors and on artificial turf.

The description of the invention above should not be interpreted as limiting the invention to the disclosed embodiment because those who are skilled in the art to which the invention relates will be able to devise other equivalent forms thereof within the scope of the invention. Variations and changes, which are obvious to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope and nature of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A multipurpose golf training aid comprising: a main piece; an end piece; and an adjustable hinge connecting the main piece and the end piece.
 2. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 1 wherein the main piece and end piece are made of carbon fiber tubing.
 3. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 1 further comprising a stand into which the end piece can be inserted.
 4. A multipurpose golf training aid comprising: a main piece; end pieces; and adjustable hinges connecting the main piece to the end pieces.
 5. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 4 wherein the main pieces and end pieces are made of carbon fiber tubing.
 6. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 4 wherein the adjustable hinges are adjustable at 15 degree increments.
 7. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 4 wherein the ends of the end pieces come to a point.
 8. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 4 further comprising stands into which the end pieces can be inserted.
 9. The multipurpose golf training aid of claim 4 further comprising hinges that can be locked at 180 degrees and 90 degrees.
 10. A multipurpose golf training aid comprising: a main piece; end pieces; and adjustable connections linking the main piece to the end pieces. 